A 73-year-old Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to intentionally causing an explosion in his house that damaged neighboring homes.
The Erie County District Attorney's office says Santo Coke was indicted on one count of third degree arson, two counts of fourth degree arson and a count of first degree reckless endengerment. he also was ordered to have a forensic examination.
Coke entered his guilty plea in Erie County Court Monday in response to the incident April 19. He disconnected a gas line in his Covington Avenue home in North Buffalo and lit a candle in an attempt to destroy the house.
The resulting explosion caused a fire which spread through the house and damaged two neighboring homes.
Coke is facing up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 9. He has been remanded without bail.
